Elevate your taco game with these Tuna Tataki Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw. These aren’t ordinary seafood tacos—they feature perfectly seared ahi tuna with a rare center, seasoned with a blend of sesame and soy, then topped with a bright, crunchy cilantro lime slaw that cuts through the richness. The combination creates a sophisticated Asian-Mexican fusion that’s impressive enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, these tacos deliver restaurant-quality flavor while keeping things light and nutritious. Whether served as an elegant appetizer or a main course, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Perfect Seared Ahi Tuna

The heart of these tacos is premium sushi-grade ahi tuna, prepared tataki-style—quickly seared on the outside while keeping the center rare. Marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger, the tuna develops deep umami flavors that seafood lovers crave. A coating of black and white sesame seeds adds essential crunch and nutty flavor to each bite.

Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw

The homemade cilantro lime slaw perfectly balances the rich tuna with its refreshing crunch. Made with green cabbage, onions, and fresh cilantro, this slaw gets its tangy kick from a dressing of mayonnaise, lime juice, and sriracha. The result? A perfect combination of creaminess, acidity, and mild heat that elevates these tacos to restaurant quality.

Easy Assembly, Amazing Results

Serve everything on warm corn tortillas and garnish with pickled ginger, red pepper flakes, and a squeeze of lime. These tacos offer a healthy alternative to traditional recipes, packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids from the ahi tuna.

Try these Tuna Tataki Tacos today for a light, refreshing meal that’s perfect for summer dining or anytime you want a seafood dish that impresses!

A Fusion Masterpiece Worth Sharing

Whether entertaining guests or looking for a quick yet elegant meal, Tuna Tataki Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw deliver restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes. These fusion tacos combine Japanese-inspired seared tuna with Mexican-style corn tortillas and zesty slaw for a healthy, protein-rich dinner option. The perfect balance of fresh seafood, crunchy vegetables, and bright citrus makes these tacos an impressive yet simple weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

Not only are these tacos bursting with flavor, but they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. The ahi tuna provides high-quality protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. The fresh cabbage slaw delivers fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded meal that tastes indulgent while supporting your wellness goals.

Customization Options

Feel free to customize these tacos to suit your preferences. Add avocado slices for extra creaminess, drizzle with spicy mayo for more heat, or substitute the corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for adapting to dietary preferences while maintaining its signature flavor profile.

Tuna Tataki Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: MainsCuisine: FusionDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

50

minutes

Tuna Tataki Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw combine seared, sesame-crusted ahi tuna with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw, wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with pickled ginger, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes. These tacos offer a flavorful fusion of Asian-inspired ingredients in a Mexican taco format.

Ingredients

• For the Tuna Tataki:

• 1 pound ahi tuna

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• For the Slaw:

• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 teaspoon sriracha

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• For the Tacos:

• 8 corn tortillas

• for garnish, pickled ginger

• for garnish, red pepper flakes

• for garnish, sesame seeds

• lime wedges

Directions

• Marinate the Tuna:
  Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. Add the ahi tuna and marinate for 20-30 minutes.
• Coat and Sear the Tuna:
  Remove the tuna from the marinade and pat it dry. Mix the black and white sesame seeds and coat both sides of the tuna. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and sear the tuna for 30-45 seconds per side, or until a light crust forms while keeping the center rare. Let the tuna rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
• Prepare the Slaw:
  Combine the green cabbage, onion, and cilantro leaves. Mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, sriracha, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing until it’s well-coated.
• Assemble the Tacos:
  Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet. Place a generous amount of slaw on each tortilla, top with slices of the seared tuna, and garnish with pickled ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges for an extra squeeze of citrus.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Seared Ahi Tuna Tostada with Wasabi Guacamole

If the Tuna Tataki Tacos got you hooked, wait ‘til you try the Seared Ahi Tuna Tostada with Wasabi Guacamole. Same melt-in-your-mouth tuna, but this time it’s riding solo on a crispy tostada with a wasabi-lime guac that slaps hard. Fresh, fiery, and just messy enough to be perfect.